*** Official Clevo P650RG, P650RE3, P650RE6/Sager NP8658 and NP8657 Owner's Lounge ***

@Prema @Exec360 thank you both. As i see it now i can try to make a USB uefi bootdrive and modify the uefi variables. Flashing the custom BIOS is not an option(at the moment). I am sure we can figure something out in some time. @Prema Just to be sure: exec360 is now modding with a dump, wich means lots of System specific variables are there. What if we take an Official bios update .exe and extract the bios rom from there, Mod it and put it back in the .exe . Will it still override the values? If yes, what is best practis? Can you maybe link some helpfull info?

Anyway thanks alot you both!

Kebuder

 

Flashing anything via FPT software will write the (BIOS and/or ME) region bit for bit (minus some header data), no matter the source...

 

Got it Ill just change the variable in the uefi boot usb.
if anyone can help me a bit, i have dumped my bios and found the variables with universal IFR. witch variable should i change to get 128mb of dvmt preallocated memory? i saw 3 instances with DVMT in it but i want some expert to confirm wich one it is.

edit:

It took some time but i got it! i have found the setup file and know what variables to change in the efi boot usb. ill change 0x376 to 0x4.

Code:

0x231CD             Setting: DVMT Pre-Allocated, Variable: 0x376 {05 91 F6 06 1A 07 61 27 01 00 76 03 10 10 00 FE 00}
0x231DE                 Option: 0M, Value: 0x0 {09 07 F7 06 00 00 00}
0x231E5                 Option: 32M, Value: 0x1 {09 07 F8 06 00 00 01}
0x231EC                 Option: 64M, Value: 0x2 {09 07 F9 06 00 00 02}
0x231F3                 Option: 96M, Value: 0x3 {09 07 FA 06 00 00 03}
0x231FA                 Option: 128M, Value: 0x4 {09 07 FB 06 30 00 04}
0x23201                 Option: 160M, Value: 0x5 {09 07 FC 06 00 00 05}
0x23208                 Option: 192M, Value: 0x6 {09 07 FD 06 00 00 06}
0x2320F                 Option: 224M, Value: 0x7 {09 07 FE 06 00 00 07}
0x23216                 Option: 256M, Value: 0x8 {09 07 FF 06 00 00 08}
0x2321D                 Option: 288M, Value: 0x9 {09 07 00 07 00 00 09}
0x23224                 Option: 320M, Value: 0xA {09 07 01 07 00 00 0A}
0x2322B                 Option: 352M, Value: 0xB {09 07 02 07 00 00 0B}
0x23232                 Option: 384M, Value: 0xC {09 07 03 07 00 00 0C}
0x23239                 Option: 416M, Value: 0xD {09 07 04 07 00 00 0D}
0x23240                 Option: 448M, Value: 0xE {09 07 05 07 00 00 0E}
0x23247                 Option: 480M, Value: 0xF {09 07 06 07 00 00 0F}
0x2324E                 Option: 512M, Value: 0x10 {09 07 07 07 00 00 10}
0x23255                 Option: 1024M, Value: 0x20 {09 07 08 07 00 00 20}
0x2325C                 Option: 1536M, Value: 0x30 {09 07 09 07 00 00 30}
0x23263                 Option: 2048M, Value: 0x40 {09 07 0A 07 00 00 40}
0x2326A                 Option: 4M, Value: 0xF0 {09 07 0B 07 00 00 F0}
0x23271                 Option: 8M, Value: 0xF1 {09 07 0C 07 00 00 F1}
0x23278                 Option: 12M, Value: 0xF2 {09 07 0D 07 00 00 F2}
0x2327F                 Option: 16M, Value: 0xF3 {09 07 0E 07 00 00 F3}
0x23286                 Option: 20M, Value: 0xF4 {09 07 0F 07 00 00 F4}
0x2328D                 Option: 24M, Value: 0xF5 {09 07 10 07 00 00 F5}
0x23294                 Option: 28M, Value: 0xF6 {09 07 11 07 00 00 F6}
0x2329B                 Option: 32M/F7, Value: 0xF7 {09 07 12 07 00 00 F7}
0x232A2                 Option: 36M, Value: 0xF8 {09 07 13 07 00 00 F8}
0x232A9                 Option: 40M, Value: 0xF9 {09 07 14 07 00 00 F9}
0x232B0                 Option: 44M, Value: 0xFA {09 07 15 07 00 00 FA}
0x232B7                 Option: 48M, Value: 0xFB {09 07 16 07 00 00 FB}
0x232BE                 Option: 52M, Value: 0xFC {09 07 17 07 00 00 FC}
0x232C5                 Option: 56M, Value: 0xFD {09 07 18 07 00 00 FD}
0x232CC                 Option: 60M, Value: 0xFE {09 07 19 07 00 00 FE}
0x232D3             End of Options {29 02}
0x232D5             Setting: DVMT Total Gfx Mem, Variable: 0x377 {05 91 1B 07 1C 07 A5 02 01 00 77 03 10 10 01 03 00}
0x232E6                 Option: 128M, Value: 0x1 {09 07 1D 07 00 00 01}
0x232ED                 Option: 256M, Value: 0x2 {09 07 1E 07 00 00 02}
0x232F4                 Option: MAX, Value: 0x3 {09 07 1F 07 30 00 03}
0x232FB             End of Options {29 02}

this is for the P650re6

 

@Prema: Thank you for your honesty. I appreciate that you still allow requests through PM.

I sent one as a conversation here and on TechInferno (where you have the official community).

 

Great work Kebuder! I would have helped anyway

 

You already did help me allot! thank you!
as for the request for a custom bios, i second that hope you will find time soon @Prema

 

Is it just me or are the latest nVidia drivers breaking G-Sync on the P650RG?

 

Great news! I now have a 3GB G-SYNC vBIOS with the +135MHz mod available for download! (Thank you EmberV for providing a dump!)

Link: http://u.techware.me/P650RE3_vBIOS_970M_GS_MOD_DOWNLOAD

As always, BE CAREFUL. This may or may not work with your laptop depending on the embedded controller. It was dumped from a Prostar machine, so it should most likely work fine on others (Sager, etc.)

I have changed the README and included sample commands and instructions for G-Sync users.

BEFORE FLASHING (If you choose to do so): In the BIOS, under the Advanced menu > Advanced Chipset Options, make sure your GPU's BIOS setting is "DEDICATED" or "G-SYNC" (depending on your GPU), not "MSHYBRID" or "OPTIMUS". GPU performance scaling should also be set to [ENABLED]. This mod is designed for these modes due to prioritizing battery life conservation/lifespan over performance on "MSHYBRID" mode.

In general, the vBIOSes are a little more lenient and less prone to having other information. The settings are all changed by the main ODM/OEM, which in this case is Clevo. Here's a screenshot of my 970M (on stock):



... as well as EmberV's 970M with G-Sync ...



BTW, I just learned something from my own experience. Why did I not know about this before...
To go back to a stock vBIOS from a modded one, use the official NVFlash with no certificate/other checks bypassed. I've been having battery life issues with my modded vBIOS (runtime on MSHYBRID mode went from ~4h 30m - 5h 30m to ~2h 30m - 3h 30m... on power saving mode) so that's why I went back to stock.

For my archive filename, I included "v12" which means version 1.2. Sorry I didn't explain this earlier.

Thank you all for your continued support!

 

Good news!

I finally figured out the issue blocking GPU core overclocking above +135MHz, voltage above the default +25mV, and (kind of) stock power limit myself and found a workaround to (partially, +25mV) enable voltage control and monitoring manually without a vBIOS mod in MSi Afterburner!

I would not recommend messing with the voltage (even more so than +10mV or +1mV without an outlet) due to system instability and long-term GPU/system damage if you don't know what you're doing.

By the way, you can already change these settings and maximum thermal/temperature limit (which is 101°C by default... wow!) in Nvidia Inspector without adjusting anything software-specific.

Screenshot for fun:



Hope you enjoy the "sneak-peek" screenshot... depending on time I may not be able to post this v2 vBIOS mod soon. There's a little fine tuning for this mod I still have to do and other stuff to study for...

 

101C is very similar to CPUs these days, it's to do with the silicon itself

 

It's just a dummy value, there are other things in place resulting in much lower actual temps...

 

True, the power is one of the biggest limits in the stock vbios with other tricks too.

 

RAM question

My P650RG came with 2 4GB Kingston HyperX DD4 modules. I purchase two more of the same 1.2v and same 2133mhz speed but when I populate the bottom two ram slots,(even just tried 1) I get no Bios post. Thinking maybe faulty ram, I swapped the new modules under the keyboard and it fired right up with the new 8gb (2x4's). I then put in the oem Kingston HyperX modules in the bottom and no post/bios. Does this laptop not boot with 4 - 4GB sticks?

I found this on a website, there is no way this laptop is capped to 8gb???
"
The P650RG has 4 GB of memory (RAM), which is the minimum required to handle the workload of the average user using modern applications. If you find it slowing down when multiple windows are open, consider buying more RAM, as the memory is expandable up to 8 GB. There may also be other models of this laptop that come with the full 8 GB."

 

I don't there is such a limit of RAM because that would be really unreasonable. I think the motherboard is good for up to 32GB or more but someone needs to confirm it. Before diving deeper on the issue, make sure that the slots are in good condition and that the sticks seat well on the slots. The ram mounting design on these laptops is quite flimsy and I have had seating problems in that past that resulted in a no POST condition. Also make sure that no dust has accumulated in the slots (since they were empty for a while that is a possibility). Another thing to watch for is if you are on the latest BIOS version and lastly if your new RAM DIMMs are exactly the same specs, not only speed and voltage but also timings. That is all I can think of now hopefully it helps.

 

Thanks for the fast reply. They are the exact specification (part numbers). i can get 2 working in tops or bottoms, just not all 4 at once. I keep my lappie dust free too but blew them out just to be safe. I'll have to see what the latest version of bios is out there or where to even get an updated one. I just got the laptop last month and it has rev. 1.05.10 on it. I even tried pulling the battery and bios battery and reset the CMOS.

I searched Sager Np8658 and Clevo P650RG and cannot even locate Bios's for these things while googling, disappointing.

 

I read on the Sager website that this machine can be expanded up to 64GB (4x16GB). This is the second report I've seen of someone with this issue; makes me a little leery about my machine when I receive it! A large part of why I ordered it was because it has 4 DIMM slots.

 

I don't have my machine yet to try it, but it appears someone here was able to provide a fix: https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/4a293l/tech_support_issue_with_sager_np8657s_20_to/

 

Well the configurations I see it being sold for say 32GB 4x8's but I see no reason why it would not support 4 - 4GB's. I purposely bought it with 2 - 4's for cost saving as it is cheaper to buy the ram aftermarket and I am OCD and want matching DIMMS. This is my first Sager/Clevo purchase as I wanted to try something different then Alienware, but at least Dell tends to post Bios's to download.


I am able to get two sticks working in Slot 1&2 under the keyboard or 3&4 underneath, just not all 4 together.

 

Having issue with my p650rg. seems like gfx is dying, its only couple months old! Upon booting I get 3 green flashing leds (little locks) and solid green for battery. The fans run medium-high and nothing displays, no boot, no bios, etc. Only way to fix is to drain battery (dang, can't remove it!).

 

Sounds like contact your place of purchase and rma it

 

Yup, sent the email off. I'll update depending what happens

 

Mine sometimes boots up until the Sager logo shows up then becomes black afterwards. Only way to fix it is to hard reset then turn it on again. Still can't find the reason as to why this happens..

 

Is this from a cold start or from a restart or both?

 

Quick note: Every Nvidia driver update past the 362 takes away my G-Sync options in the Nvidia control panel. I've had to roll back to the 362 drivers 3 times now (using the DDU).

 

From cold start

 

I opened up a ticket with Mythlogic to see if they have an updated Bios instead of one from 11/15 currently installed. There has to be a reason why I can't use 4 4gb sticks. Hopefully it's the bios just needing an update.

 

With the ram, what sticks do you have available to test or was that config it shipped with?

 

It shipped with two Kingston Hyperx impact dd4 2133mhz. I purchased two more from newegg (same part number). The new ram sticks work in any two matchimg slots as do the ones that shipped with it. It just won't post with 4 dimms populated.

 

What about 3 sticks? Are they all certainly the same timings?

 

Hey all, been a bit since I've been around, few questions/comments

Had to ship my 8658 back for 2 dead pixels, within the 30 days so free shipping etc. On the 30th day it also wouldn't start up past bios/sager screen. OS ssd failed.

Everything should be repaired, get it back any day now.

Any updates with this machine for VR? Initial impressions said it was not VR capable but that seems a bit premature...? Looking to use this for VR work if possible

 

It's technically capable of VR, it's just the GPU power in question to keep it smooth.

 

Identical ram. I can mix one new and one old stick. Won't post to bios with any 3 sticks.

 

It must be an odd issue, maybe your memory controller has an issue or the ram has something going on with it.

 

HI, I plan to order a SAGER NP8657-S on the xoticpc website, does anyone has experience shopping with xoticpc? At the checkout page I do not see the tax fee (only the cost of the machine and free shipping included), so I wonder how much do I have to pay actually. In addition, should I go with the gsync or not?

 

I don't think you pay tax unless you live in the state they are located. I would go for the g-sync just for the seamless fps when gaming with no tearing. If not a gamer then probably non g-sync.

 

G-sync is certainly a nice option to go for and worth it.

 

Welcome to the forum!

If you do have questions I can help with, just let me know directly and I'll be glad to help out, as well as any of the other guys in sales can answer that as well. Generally company reps don't talk about pricing and discounts like that in the forums, but reach out to me and I can answer any questions. Thanks!

 

Thanks guys, do you think I should spend extra $80 adding gsync on a 15.6' laptop or upgrading RAM to 32GB?

 

Could you please send me a pm? Thanks

 

Unless you need 32GB of ram now (gamers don't) it's a lot easier to add more ram later than it is to get g-sync working.

 

I wouldn't go 32gb ram unless you were planning to use virtual machines.

On a side note, does anyone know where to obtain actual updated Bios's for the P650RG, if there are any. Mine is from November 2015 1.05.10.

 

Not sure if this was asked before, but what type of cooling pad is advisable for P650RE3?

 

I like my Zalman ZM-NC2000 a lot. It's half a centimeter too big on either side now - I used to have a 17 incher on it. I think there was a smaller version (NC1000) available when I bought it. The two USB-powered fans are fairly silent, and it works just as good now as it did 8 years ago when I bought it. I don't know if it's still available. But to me, it looks very good together with the P651 (matte black aluminium surface) despite being a tiny bit too big, adds some handy extra USB ports, got adjustable fan speed, and gives just the right amount of working angle for my laptop. The angle can be made steeper by folding out two legs at the rear. It blows air out from virtually all of it's top surface and covers the bottom air vents of the P651 very well.

 

How about the RAID? should I choose RAID 1 or 0 or just leave it off?

 

Unless you are going with two identical hard drives leave it off. Raid 0 will give you speed , raid 1 can give you safety. Imo, raid with ssds are a waste.

 

lol thanks man!! Still concern if Sager is a smart move cuz I found some AW 15' just around $1,200 on ebay compare to Sager 1,400$ on xoticpc

 

I suppose it comes down to the specs of the AW and Sager you are comparing, and what you might be using it for. If you have any questions that I can help with, feel free to reach out to me directly.

 

Warranty considerations are also important.

 

Sometimes, after the Sager logo appears, display would turn off. Needs hard restart.
Inline mic not working when plugged in (tho it works on my other laptop).

Anyone who encountered these problems?

 

Notebookcheck's review of the P651RG